Amanze Chinonye
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit seeking judicial intervention over alleged discrepancies and lack of transparency in the management of public funds by the Rivers State Government.
In court documents, SERAP raised concerns over the disbursement and utilisation of funds allocated to ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), citing what it described as irregular spending patterns.
According to the suit, over ₦106 billion out of the ₦163.44 billion allocated to MDAs was disbursed in August 2025 alone, suggesting a heavy concentration of spending within a single month.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe organisation further alleged that more than ₦26.01 billion was used to service loans, while an additional ₦491.59 million was spent on bank charges, bringing the total expenditure under this category to approximately ₦26.50 billion during the same period.
SERAP also flagged inconsistencies in capital project spending. It noted that over ₦2.5 billion was reportedly released for the construction of Government House quarters, but only about ₦1.1 billion was reflected as actual expenditure in the available records.
Similarly, the group pointed to a revised allocation of ₦2.67 billion for office building repairs, with only about ₦404 million recorded as spent. It also questioned the transparency surrounding a ₦350 million allocation for canteen and kitchen equipment, stating that it was unclear how much of the amount had been released.
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In addition, over ₦463 million was reportedly spent on rehabilitation projects, while a project initially budgeted at ₦800 million appeared to have been increased to ₦1.56 billion, raising further concerns about budgetary adjustments.
The documents also indicated that the closing balance in the account as of August 2025 stood at ₦19.93 billion.
In the suit filed on October 31, 2025, SERAP is asking the court to determine whether it is entitled to access the requested financial records under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
The defendants in the case are the Accountant-General of Rivers State and the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The matter is currently before Justice S.H. Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court and has been adjourned to May 19, 2026, for further hearing.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
